Why is Celtic’s European away form so consistently poor?

They are genuinely capable of beating anyone under the lights at Parkhead; just ask Barcelona, but away from home, it is a completely different story.

The 3-1 defeat against RB Salzburg, which saw Brendan Rodgers’ side throw away an early lead, was the latest in the long line of European failures on the Bhoys’ travels.

The former Liverpool boss has Champions League experience and encourages his players to be comfortable on the ball; as you must be in Europe. So why hasn’t he been able to solve the problem?

(Photo by Michael Molzar/SEPA.Media /Getty Images)

Firstly, it is important to note that Rodgers is fighting against some familiar issues. Although the summer transfer window was shambolic, everyone knows the Northern Irishman can’t access the kind of budget many European rivals can.

Further, he suffers from an issue that impacts domestic champions across Europe when they enter refined company. His bread and butter, winning the league, requires a squad that is attack-minded and able to see off a large variety of opposition.

Suddenly, up against the better opponents, Rodgers is forced to deploy his side in a way they are unfamiliar with. That’s a double whammy that is so difficult to overcome.